Three-dimensional target devices, assemblies and methods for calibrating an endoscopic camera

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to calibration target devices, assemblies and methods for use with imaging systems, such as a stereoscopic endoscope. A calibration assembly includes: a target surface extends in three dimensions with calibration markers and a body with an interface that engages an endoscope so the markers are within the field of view. A first calibration marker extends along a first plane of the target surface and a second marker extends along a second plane of the target surface. The planes are different and asymmetric relative to the field of view as seen through the endoscope. Three-dimensional targets, in particular, enable endoscopic calibration using a single image (or pair of images for a stereoscopic endoscope) to reduce the calibration process complexity, calibration time and chance of error as well as allow the efficient calibration of cameras at different focus positions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority to U.S. PatentApplication No. 61/541,427 filed Sep. 30, 2011 16, 2011, entitled“Three-Dimensional Target Devices, Assemblies And Methods ForCalibrating An Endoscopic Camera” by Morrisette, et al., the contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for allpurposes.

This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 12/415,377,filed Mar. 31, 2009, (now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2010/0245541 A1) entitled “Targets, Fixtures, and Workflows forCalibrating an Endoscopic Camera”, the full disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive surgical techniques are aimed at reducing the amountof extraneous tissue that is damaged during diagnostic or surgicalprocedures, thereby reducing patient recovery time, discomfort, anddeleterious side effects. As a consequence, the average length of ahospital stay for standard surgery may be shortened significantly usingminimally invasive surgical techniques. Also, patient recovery time,patient discomfort, surgical side effects, and time away from work mayalso be reduced with minimally invasive surgery.

A common form of minimally invasive surgery is endoscopy, and a commonform of endoscopy is laparoscopy, which is minimally invasive inspectionand surgery inside the abdominal cavity. In standard laparoscopicsurgery, a patient's abdomen is insufflated with gas, and cannulasleeves are passed through small (approximately ½ inch or less)incisions to provide entry ports for laparoscopic instruments.Laparoscopic surgical instruments generally include a laparoscope or anendoscope for viewing the surgical field.

An endoscope can be calibrated prior to use. In general, calibration isbeneficial for many advanced imaging systems, such as advanced computervision, three-dimensional augmented reality, three-dimensionalvisualization applications, advanced user interfaces, and image-guidedsurgery. Such calibration often makes use of a pattern of features thatcan be imaged by the endoscope to provide calibration data.

Existing calibration devices and methods suffer from a number ofproblems. For example, properly positioning and orienting thecalibration pattern of image features of some prior art calibrationtargets relative to the imaging device may not be intuitive, and it maytherefore be difficult for non-technical persons to obtain the desiredcalibration. Additionally, since human hands are not very steady,holding the camera or target freehand typically induces motion blur,while having to resort to a large, benchtop endoscopic support mightrender the system too unwieldy for regular use in the field. Somemethods also require manually designating characteristics of the patternin the resulting images, which may also lead to errors in calibration.

An endoscopic imaging system may also have its color balance (such aswhite balance) adjusted. In image processing, color balance involves theadjustment of the intensities of colors, typically the red, green andblue primary colors. A goal of this adjustment is to render specificcolors correctly, particularly neutral colors. It may also beadvantageous to subject an endoscopic-imaging system to diagnostictesting from time to time. A typical endoscopic imaging system includesa variety of components, such as imaging sensors, lens assemblies, etc.,that may functionally degrade or fail over time. Where functionaldegradation that does not rise to an intolerable level has occurred, anendoscopic imaging system may continue to be used due to a lack ofknowledge on the part of the user that any functional degradation hasoccurred. Such latent functional degradation may have significantdetrimental consequences in a critical image-guided procedure, such asmany minimally invasive surgeries.

While imaging-device calibration, alignment, color balance, anddiagnostic testing may be performed by using existing methods anddevices, improved methods, devices, and assemblies for performing thesetasks in a more convenient and efficient manner remain of interest. Forexample, methods and assemblies that can be conveniently used to performsome or all of these tasks in a time- and space-efficient manner priorto a surgery, without having to resort to excessive additional trainingof surgical staff, would be of particular interest.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In accordance with various aspects, improved target devices assembliesand methods are provided for generating calibration data, color balancedata, and diagnostic data for an imaging device. Such target devices,assemblies and methods can be particularly advantageous when used tocalibrate, adjust the color balance on, or run a diagnostic test on anendoscope prior to use. The provided target devices, assemblies andmethods will often include a three-dimensional targets surface and canbe used, for example, to reduce the amount of time, space, and laborrequired to calibrate an endoscope, including a stereo endoscope, priorto use. The provided target devices, assemblies and methods may be lessprone to errors in the form of accidentally missed steps, and they mayresult in improved imaging due to image system calibration and colorbalancing, as well as by avoiding the use of a functionally degradedendoscope. Three-dimensional targets, in particular, may facilitatecamera calibration using a single image (or pair of images from astereoscopic endoscope) to reduce the calibration process complexity,calibration time and chance of error as well as allow the efficientcalibration of cameras at different focus states.

Thus, the following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments ofthe invention in order to provide a basic understanding of theinvention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention.It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention orto delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to presentsome aspects and embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as aprelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In accordance with an embodiment, a method for facilitating cameracalibration of a stereoscopic endoscope is provided. The method includesengaging the endoscope with a calibration target device to provide acalibration spatial relationship between the endoscope and a targetsurface of the target device. The target surface extends in threedimensions (for example, with the target surface including intersectingand/or offset planes, a conical or other curving surface, or otherwisenot being limited to being disposed along a single plane). A pluralityof calibration markers of the target surface are presented to theendoscope while the endoscope has the calibration spatial relationshipwith the target surface. The presented markers are distributed within afield of view of the endoscope with a first calibration marker extendingalong a first plane of the target surface and a second calibrationmarker extending along a second plane of the target surface. The secondplane is different from the first plane and asymmetric, relative to thefield of view, with the first plane.

The methods for facilitating camera calibration of a stereoscopicendoscope provided herein can involve a number of options. For example,some methods may include configuring an interface of the calibrationtarget device for engagement with the endoscope by selectivelypositioning a first receptacle of the interface in alignment with thetarget surface. The engaging of the endoscope with the calibrationdevice may include introducing a distal end of the endoscope into thefirst receptacle to maintain the calibration spatial relationship. Theinterface can have a second receptacle alignable with the targetsurface. The second receptacle can be configured to fittingly receiveanother endoscope having a viewing angle or cross-section different thanthe endoscope. Configuring the calibration target device may includemoving the second receptacle from alignment with the target surface. Adistal end (for example. the objective end or image capture end) of theendoscope may be cylindrical. Each receptacle tapers radially inwardlyfrom an opening toward an inner end of the receptacle to radially engageand position the distal end of the endoscope as the endoscope isinserted into the receptacle.

In other options for camera calibration, the target surface may besupported by a base of the target device, and the movement of theinterface relative to the base can be detent indexed. This facilitatesthe alignment of the receptacles with the target surface.

Each receptacle can have associated an indicium that identifies acharacteristic of endoscopes suitable for calibration with thereceptacle. The movement of the interface relative to the base canidentify the indicium of the receptacle aligned with the viewingsurface. A resilient bushing of each receptacle may radially engage theendoscope proximally of the distal end to orient the field of view ofthe endoscope relative to the target surface. An axial stop of eachreceptacle promotes axial alignment of the field of view of theendoscope with the target surface.

In variations of the method of calibrating an endoscope, the first planeis offset from the second plane and the first marker is nearer to theendoscope than the second marker. In other variations, the first planeintersects the second plane. The viewed calibration markers can includea third calibration marker extending along a third plane of the targetsurface. The third plane is different from the first and second planes.The three planes can intersect at a point. A plurality of image markersmay be disposed along the first, second, and third planes along first,second, and third planar surface regions of the target surface,respectively. The first, second, and third surface regions may slopeaway from the endoscope laterally inwardly relative to the field of viewof the endoscope so that an inner portion of the field of view presentsfar viewing markers while an outer portion of the field of view presentsnear viewing markers to the endoscope. Still other variations may beprovided. For example, the fist, second, and third planes may be tangentto the target surface adjacent the first, second, and third markers,respectively, with the target surface curving between the first, second,and third markers along a cone or other three-dimensional curving shape.

The calibration method may further include presenting an orientationfeature of the target surface within an inner portion of the field ofview. The target device may be manually oriented relative to theendoscope by rotating the target device relative to the endoscope inresponse to alignment of the orientation feature. The target surface canbe white and the orientation feature can include an asymmetric aperture.The asymmetric aperture may be axially offset along the field of viewfrom any hand or other body supporting the target device with aprotrusion of the target device near the aperture.

Additionally, illumination may be reflected from the endoscope towardthe endoscope with a white color of the target surface surrounding themarkers to facilitate white balancing the endoscope. The target surfacemay comprise a unitary body with laser-printed markers. The markers maydiffer and each can include a plurality of identification features toallow identification of the differing markers. The markers may have afirst tolerance between them. The target surface may float relative tothe endoscope with a second tolerance, the second tolerance being looserthan the first tolerance.

In accordance with another embodiment, a calibration target device forfacilitating camera calibration of a stereoscopic endoscope is provided.The apparatus comprises a target surface having a plurality ofcalibration markers and a body having an interface configured forengaging the endoscope to maintain a calibration spatial relationshipbetween the endoscope and the target surface such that the markers aredistributed within a field of view of the endoscope with a firstcalibration marker extending along a first plane of the target surfaceand a second calibration marker extending along a second plane of thetarget surface. The second plane is different from the first plane andasymmetric, relative to the field of view, with the first plane.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the presentinvention, reference should be made to the ensuing detailed descriptionand the accompanying drawings. Other aspects, objects and advantages ofthe invention will be apparent from the drawings and the detaileddescription that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of a stereo-imagingsystem.

FIG. 2 diagrammatically illustrates a calibration assembly and animaging system.

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of the 3D calibration target device.

FIG. 3B shows an exploded view of the 3D calibration target device.

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of the 3D calibration target devicewith the directional movement of the interface relative to the baseindicated.

FIG. 4B shows a top view of the 3D calibration target device adjusted inposition to receive a 12 mm endoscope.

FIG. 4C shows a top view of the 3D calibration target device adjusted inposition to receive a 8.5 mm endoscope.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the interference plate of the 3Dcalibration target device.

FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of the calibration fixture including adimple gate.

FIG. 6B shows a cross section view of the inspect feature of thecalibration fixture.

FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of the calibration target includinglaser-printed markers along a target surface extending in threedimensions.

FIGS. 7B-7D show left plane, right plane and bottom plane views,respectively, of the calibration target of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7E shows a top view of the calibration target without markers.

FIG. 7FA shows a perspective view of the underside of the calibrationtarget.

FIG. 7FB shows a bottom view of the underside of the calibration target.

FIG. 7G shows a perspective view of the part of the calibration targetwhere the calibration features sit.

FIG. 7H shows a perspective view of the calibration target as seen fromthe camera.

FIG. 8 diagrammatically illustrates a two-dimensional marker havinglocalizer features and identification features.

FIGS. 9A-9B show respective images from two different viewing directionsof a calibration target having multiple two-dimensional markers and aslanted-edge modulation transfer function (MTF) feature.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram for a method for determining MTF value(s),color/white balance parameters, calibration parameters, and alignmentparameters.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram for a method for associating targetmulti-dimensional marker coordinates with associated image coordinates.

FIGS. 12A through 12E illustrate steps for processing an image so as toidentify a calibration target marker.

FIG. 13A, illustrates exemplary locations within an image of acalibration target of regions-of-interest that can be processed todetermine color/white-balance parameters and modulation transferfunction (MTF) values.

FIGS. 13B and 13C illustrate a non-color balanced region-of-interest ofthe image of FIG. 13A and a color-balance control.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are schematic cross sectional diagram showing sizereduction of the calibration target with and without using optical pathfolding from a reflective material, respectively.

FIG. 15A diagrammatically illustrates a crosshair pattern encodinginformation using gray fill blocks.

FIG. 15B diagrammatically illustrates a crosshair pattern encodinginformation using light and dark areas.

FIG. 16 schematically shows an alternative target configuration of atarget surface.

FIGS. 17 schematically shows a s yet another alternative targetconfiguration of a target surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the inventiondescribed herein, improved 3D target devices, methods and assemblies areprovided for calibration, alignment, color/white balance adjustment,and/or diagnostic testing of imaging devices. Such target devices,methods and assemblies can be particularly advantageous when used withrespect to an endoscopic-imaging system prior to use. The calibrationfacilitated by the devices described herein may include the process ofdetermining intrinsic and/or extrinsic parameters for an imaging device,typically by projecting three-dimensional (3D) points into an imageobtained using the endoscope imaging system. The intrinsic parametersmay involve the internal geometric and optical characteristics of theimaging device, such as focal lengths in x and y, principal point in xand y, skew and pixel aspect ratio, and/or distortions (often quantifiedby a few parameters describing the distortions such as radial andtangential distortions). The intrinsic parameters can be used tocompensate for imaging errors, such as optical aberrations of theimaging device. The extrinsic parameters may involve thethree-dimensional position of the camera reference coordinate systemrelative to a certain world coordinate system (i.e., sixdegree-of-freedom pose).

A stereo-imaging device, such as a stereo endoscope, can be alignedprior to use. The alignment process involves adjusting the left andright stereo images horizontally and vertically so as to have zerohorizontal and vertical disparity at a certain distance. Fixationdisparity is the vertical and/or horizontal misalignment of the eyeswhen viewing with both eyes (i.e., binocular vision). Without alignment,a viewer's eyes may not properly fuse the left and right images(especially if the vertical disparity is large). Viewing misalignedimages can lead to a variety of deleterious conditions including eyefatigue, eye strain and migraines, for example. Exemplary alignmentmethods and systems are described in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No.7,277,120, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Calibrationparameters for the two imaging paths of a stereo-imaging device canprovide parameters (horizontal and vertical offsets) of the alignmentprocess.

The calibration methods and systems described herein often involveimaging a calibration target. The calibration target typically hasmultiple features having known relative coordinates. An image of thecalibration target is processed so as to determine a collection of imagecoordinates associated with at least some of the target features. Knowncalibration methods can be used to process the collection of associatedcoordinates so as to generate calibration parameters, both extrinsic andintrinsic. (For exemplary methods, see Z. Zhang, “A flexible newtechnique for camera calibration,” IEEE trans. Pattern Analysis andMachine Intelligence, 2000, volume 22, number 11, pages 1330-1334; andJanne Heikkila and Olli Silven, “A Four-step Camera CalibrationProcedure with Implicit Image Correction,” available at urlwww.vision.caltech.edu/bouguetycalib_doc/papers/heikkila97.pdf, whichare both hereby incorporated by reference.) Another method isimplemented in a Matlab toolbox by Jean-Yves Bouguet (available atwww.vision.caltech.edu/bouguetj/calib_doc/index.html), which is aslightly modified version of the method described in the above listedZhang reference. Still further calibration and white-balance methods maybe described in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/415,377, filed Mar. 31,2009, (now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2010/0245541 A1),which is also incorporated herein by reference.

Calibration targets can generally be three-dimensional (3D),two-dimensional (2D) or one-dimensional (1D). Calibration using 2D orplanar targets generally involves multiple images of the target atdifferent orientations so that the features being imaged havecoordinates in three-dimensions.

Imaging Systems

Although embodiments are described with reference to applications in aminimally invasive surgical system employing an image capturing devicein the form of an endoscope, it is to be understood that the field ofthe invention is not necessarily limited to these applications. Forexample, embodiments can be used to calibrate imaging devices ingeneral.

Referring to the drawings, and with specific reference to FIG. 1, animaging system, in accordance with embodiments, is generally indicatedby reference numeral 10. System 10 includes a stereo imaging device inthe form of a stereo endoscope 12, for example. The system 10 furtherincludes two Charge Coupled Devices (CCDs) 14 and 16, optical lenses 18and 20, and read means 22, 24 for reading the CCDs and convertinginformation read on the CCDs into a digital format. The read means 22,24 is typically an appropriate electronically driven system such as aCamera Control Unit (CCU) that transforms optical information read fromthe CCDs 14, 16 into digital format. The CCD and CCU arrangements can beof the type available from Panasonic™. under the part nos.:GP-US522/GP-US532 3CCD color CCU. Accordingly, an electronic processor(not shown) is typically in operative communication with the read means22, 24 as indicated by lines 26, 28. Optical lenses 30, 32 are disposedat a distal viewing end of endoscope 12. Images are passed through thelenses 30, 32, are passed along optical paths indicated by arrows 34, 36in endoscope 12, are magnified through lenses 18, 20 and are thenprojected onto optically sensitive surfaces of the CCDs 14, 16, asindicated by arrows 38, 40. Although imaging system 10 is shown anddescribed, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that variousalternative imaging systems can alternatively be used.

Calibration Assemblies

FIG. 2 diagrammatically illustrates a calibration assembly 50 that canbe used to generate calibration/alignment data 52, color/white balancedata 54, and/or diagnostics data 56. Calibration assembly 50 includes animaging system 58, an interface 60, a target 62, and an electronic dataprocessor 64. Imaging system 58 can include any number of devices, suchas a stereo endoscope, that can be used to capture an image and outputimage data or an image signal in response thereto. Interface 60 providesa means by which to constrain the imaging system 58 relative to thetarget 62. Interface 60 can include, for example, a lock or othermechanical constraint to prevent relative motion between the imagingsystem and the interface. Interface 60 can be coupled with target 62 sothat the target is posed (positioned and oriented) relative to theconstrained imaging system 58 so that the target is within thefield-of-view of the imaging system. In some embodiments that will bedescribed in more detail below, the interface 60 and target 62 arecoupled so as to form a calibration fixture. Processor 64 is coupledwith imaging system 58 so as to receive the image data/signal 66.Processor 64 uses the image data/signal 66 to generatecalibration/alignment data 52, color/white balance data 54, and/ordiagnostic data 56. Calibration/alignment data 52 can include uniquecorrespondences between extracted image features and features of target62.

Calibration assembly 50 can include additional optional components. Forexample, the interface 60 and the target 62 can be coupled by way of amotorized mechanism. The motorized mechanism can be driven so as to besynchronized with the capture of images, such as by rotating the targetrelative to the interface between image captures and stopping during animage capture. The motorized mechanism can also be synchronized with thefocus of the imaging system 58. It has been observed that cameracalibration parameters can differ when the focus is changed. As such, animaging system may need to be calibrated at multiple focus settings. Inthis circumstance, even more images will need to be taken and amotorized mechanism may be of even greater benefit in reducing theworkload on a human operator. Interpolation can be used to determinecalibration parameters in between the calibrated focuses.

Calibration assembly 50 can include an optional user interface 68. Userinterface 68 can be used to guide a human operator during the imagecapture process. The user interface can include a communication device,such as a display or speaker, that can be used to guide the operator toposition the target relative to the imaging system. For example, userinterface 68 can be used to guide the operator to rotate the targetrelative to the imaging device by a certain angle, such as by showingthe current orientation and the desired orientation. The user interface68 can inform the operator to keep the image device fixed relative tothe target during image capture so that no motion blur occurs, which canbe especially important during modular transfer function (MTF)estimation where motion blur may not be discernible from the blur due tothe optical system.

Target Device

Referring now to FIG. 3A, a three-dimensional calibration target deviceis generally indicated by reference numeral 70. An opening 71 canseparately receive any one of at least two and preferably four or moredifferent types of endoscopes of varying sizes and shapes, includingendoscope 12 shown in FIG. 1, for example. The size of the endoscope isselected by rotating the thumb dial 72 which rotates receptacle 84 a or84 b into alignment with opening 71. Indicia 78 (inscribed “8.5” and“12” in this example) indicate the alignment of receptacles 84 a or 84 bwith the opening 71. The indicia correspond to the endoscope sizeacceptance (8.5 mm and 12 mm, in this example). When inserted, thedistal end (i.e. image-capture end or) of an endoscope passes throughopening 71 and is received by receptacle 84 a or 84 b (as selected bythe user) and is held in place by receptacle 84 a or 84 b. Resilientbushings or the like may be placed around the opening 71 and/or the openends of receptacles 84 a and 84 b to allow additional support to theendoscope when inserted.

FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the 3D calibration target device 70.Target device 70 includes a base 73 and a 3D target body 74, with thetarget body including a target surface that extends in three dimensions,such as along panels 74 a and 74 b which are located along differentasymmetric planes relative to the field of view as seen through theendoscope. As more specifically described with reference to FIGS. 1-9and 12-13, markers of the target device may be YAG laser-printeddirectly onto the material from which target body 74 is molded, may beprinted onto stickers that are adhered to the target body, or mayotherwise be positioned on the target surface of the target body. Themakers may include, but are not limited to, primitives (e.g. dots) orthe like. The markers can be grey, although black or other colors thatcontrast with a white (or relatively light) background sufficient forviewer discrimination can also be employed. An insert moldedinterference plate 77 is secured to the calibration fixture (aka scopeholder) 76 by two detent pins 79 a and 79 b that dock the lid 80 to thebase 73. It is appreciated that other means of attachment may be used tosecure the lid and base to enclose the other components of the 3Dcalibration target device 70, such as adhesive bonding, fasteners,ultrasonic welding, or the like. An opening 81 in the lid 80 providesaccess to a textured thumb dial 72 when assembled so as to facilitaterotational selection of a desired receptacle. The size indicator window83 allows a view of the indicium 78 that correspondingly indicatesopenings 84 a or 84 b selected by rotating the thumb dial 72.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the thumb dial 72 smoothly rotates in the directionshown by arrow 86 between locking detents 79 a, 79 b (FIG. 3B). Thelocking detents between the lid 80 and calibration fixture 76 preventthe scope holder from being inadvertently rotated while it is engagedwith an endoscope. The detents facilitate alignment of the receptacleswith the target surface. The detents also lock the spatial relationshipbetween the scope and the calibration target to prevent theirinter-motion during the image data acquisition of multiple focuspositions.

FIG. 4B shows a top view of the 3D calibration target device 70including the size indicator window 83 showing “12” to indicate that a12 mm endoscope is currently selected. FIG. 4C shows a top view of the3D calibration target device 70 including the size indicator window 83showing “8.5” to indicate that an 8.5 mm endoscope is currentlyselected. As appreciated when FIGS. 4B and 4C are compared, the opening71 remains the same size but the size of the receptacles 84 a and 84 bcorresponding to 12 mm and 8.5 mm, respectively, change.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the interference plate 77 componentof the 3D calibration target device. The interference plate 77 includesalignment features 88 a and 88 b to ensure plate 77 is in the correctright/left orientation with respect to the openings 84 a and 84 b shownin FIG. 3B. Inscription 91 assists with top/bottom orientation whenplate 77 is positioned on top of calibration fixture 76 during initialassembly or during reassembly after cleaning or servicing, for example.The interference plate holds the endoscope steady during the calibrationscan process. The interference plate is particularly helpful inpreventing movement when the endoscope and calibration device are handheld. A body of interference plate 77 may be molded, machined, or thelike, of a relatively rigid plastic, and resilient polymer bushings maybe insert molded around openings 90, 84 b so as to resiliently engageand center an endoscope inserted therethrough.

FIG. 6A shows an alternative perspective view of the calibration fixture76 including a dimple gate 92. The calibration fixture has an interface(i.e. endoscope holder) for constraining engagement with the endoscopicimaging system and provides alignment between the endoscope and a targetbody 74 rotatably coupled with the interface so that a target surface ofthe target body is within the filed of view. Rotation of the calibrationfixture 76 relative to the target body reconfigures the target device byselecting which receptacle or receptacles of the fixture are aligned(and hence which size endoscope can be aligned) in a desired spatialarrangement with the target surface.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the calibration fixture 76 shown inFIG. 6A that can be used to provide constraining engagement with animaging device, such as a zero-degree (i.e. straight) or 30-degreeendoscope. The basic functionality of calibration fixture 76 can beprovided in a number of ways. For example, calibration fixture 76 can beconfigured as an integral unit having multiple integrally formedreceptacles, or calibration fixture 76 can be fabricated from a numberof subassemblies. Regardless of the chosen fabrication choice,calibration fixture 76 includes receptacles 93 a and 93 b shaped tointerface with a 30-degree or straight endoscope, respectively. Aspreviously mentioned, 8.5 mm or 12 mm sizes of each endoscope can beselected by rotating fixture 76 relative to the other components of thetarget device. Once positioned for an 8.5 mm endoscope, either astraight 8.5 mm diameter scope can be inserted into receptacle 93 b, ora 30-degree 8.5 mm diameter scope can be inserted into receptacle 93 a.Similarly, when positioned for a 12 mm scope, either a straight 12 mmscope or a 30 degree 12 mm scope can be inserted. Thus, a total of 4different endoscopes of differing size and angle can be separatelyselected in this particular embodiment. Although receptacles 93 a and 93b can be cylindrical, other non-cylindrical configurations can be used.Axial stops 94 a and 94 b may act as “bumpers” to position the scopealong the axis of the receptacle so as to provide a desired focal rangebetween the endoscope and the target surface, and to prevent theendoscope from being inserted too far into the calibration fixture 76and thus too close to the target. Alternatively or additionally, thediameter of the channel 96 a and/or 96 b of receptacles 93 a and/or 93 bmay be inwardly tapered or beveled to axially position the distal end ofthe endoscope relative to the target surface when the endoscope isinserted into the appropriate receptacle of the calibration fixture (akascope holder) 76.

FIG. 7A depicts a 3D target body 74 in accordance with an embodiment ofthe subject invention. The 3D target 74 is constructed of a single castmold with at least two different panels 74 a 74 b located disposed alongdifferent asymmetric planes. The panel edges 285 and tabs 286 a-286 cshown in FIG. 7E, the latter of which facilitate attachment of thetarget 74 to the base 73 (FIG. 3B). Different perspective views oftarget 74 are shown in FIGS. 7B-7D from inside the field of view of theendoscope when attached to the calibration target. Target 74 of FIG. 7Ais a perspective view that includes a target surface 95 on which targetfeatures, local groups of which can be used as markers 75, are locatedin various patterns on each panel. Target surface 95 can directlyincorporate the target features by laser printing or another similarprocess, or a target containing target features can be mounted on orotherwise affixed to target surface 95. The calibration target can bedesigned for a single use/disposable application or a reusableapplication. If the target is reusable, the markers will preferable beformed on metal or similar material so as to withstand repeatedsterilizations without excessive fading, for example.

FIG. 7E shows a top view of the calibration target 74 (without markers).A portion of the upper surface of target 74 would be seen by theendoscope so as to included within a field of view 280 (shown hereschematically) of the endoscope 12 when the endoscope is attached to thecalibration target device 70. FIG. 7FB is a bottom view of target 74showing that the target includes a crosshair 279 and mold seams 282. Thecrosshair 279, positioned in a central portion of the target 74 as seenin the field of view of the endoscope, may contain an arrow 281 on oneend. Crosshair 279 can be used for XY alignment of left and rightchannels of the stereoscopic endoscope, while the arrow can be used tohelp rotationally align the endoscope with the calibration targetdevice. More specifically, the cylindrical distal end of the endoscopecan be introduced into the receptacle, and the target surface (andcrosshair 279) can be imaged by the endoscope and the image can bedisplayed to the user. The target device can then be rotated about thecylindrical end of the endoscope (or vice versa) until the crosshair hasa desired orientation in the displayed image, such as with the arrowpointed upward. A variety of alternative asymmetric shapes might beemployed.

In other embodiments, crosshair configuration 288 shown in FIG. 15A mayencode information in the form of a “skeletal” crosshair with grey-fillareas 287. The grey fill areas may be used as binary machine-readablefeatures, being turned on or off as desired by the user by filling themin or leaving them blank to provide information to the endoscope systembeing calibrated using the calibration device. Such information mayinclude, but is not limited to, date of manufacture of the calibrationdevice, type of calibration device, serial number and version number ofthe calibration device, for example. In an exemplary embodiment, thecrosshair pattern, including light 290 and dark 289 areas, may encodesimilar information in the configuration shown in FIG. 15B, or with thegrey-fill areas 287 in a different combination of light and dark regionsin any desired combination so as to provide information analogous tothat provided by bar codes, radio frequency identification (RFID tags,Bokode, Quick Response Codes (QR Codes) and other types of information.

The crosshair may comprise a cut out or aperture 284 (FIG. 7E) to allowlight to pass through and contrast with the target background surfacematerial. It may also be positioned on a raised pedestal 283 (FIGS.7A-7D) with the bottom surface of target 74 having a protruding featuresuch as cup wall 284 (FIG. 7FA) extending away from the target 74 nearaperture 279 so as to prevent the aperture from being filled by a handof an operator or other structure and thereby to improve contrast, forexample.

In an additional embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the 3D target can beconfigured to take the form of markers and/or visual features disposedalong planes that are generally parallel to each other. The targetsurface and makers can be formed on a stack of panels that can bevarious shapes including square, rectangular, circular or oval (as inthis particular example). Holes 300, 301 in the panels closer to theimaging device provide light and allow viewing of those panels fartheraway from the imaging device. The openings decrease in size the fartherthey are from the receptacle and viewing end of the imaging device. Theoval-shaped discs 291, 292, 293 are vertically stacked and attached to amounting 294 as shown in FIG. 16. In other embodiments, the panels mayhave sufficient transparency to allow viewing of markers throughintervening panels by the imaging device and therefore may not haveopenings. Acceptable transparent materials may include glass or clearplastic, for example. Regardless of the panel material employed,self-referential markers 295, 296, 297 may be included on each panel forcalibration purposes according to the method illustrated in FIG. 11, forexample.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment having a conical3D target configuration. Truncated cones may also be used. Markers areshown in several positions 298, 299 on the inside surface of the cone,with each marker generally extending along a plane that is tangent tothe curving surface of the cone. These markers can be used to calibratean imaging device using the method shown in FIG. 11. Various othertarget configurations could also be used, so that the target device neednot necessarily be limited to the specific target configurationsdescribed herein.

The size of the target may optionally be decreased by including lensesand/or mirrors to alter the optical path between the endoscope 12 andthe target surface 275. Specifically, in an embodiment of the subjectapplication, the size of the target can be reduced using a mirror 276shown in FIG. 14A, resulting in a smaller volume target device ascompared to an otherwise optically similar target device that does notinclude a minor (as shown in FIG. 14B). The visual feature 278 for scopealignment in FIG. 14A lies in closer proximity to the endoscope 12 andcalibration fixture 76 as compared to the visual feature for scopealignment 277 and 279 in the embodiments of FIGS. 14B and 3A-7F. Thecamera field of view 275 of the target surface could otherwise remainunchanged in these examples.

The receptacle of fixture 74 constrains target motion in sixdegrees-of-freedom (three-dimensional rigid transformation, three fortranslation and three for rotation) to 1 degree-of-freedom rotation.This makes control of the target much more straightforward. Theconstrained motion can also guarantee that sufficient data is obtainedfor a successful camera calibration by following simple procedures (forexample, by rotating the fixture until an image from the scope showsaperture 279 in a desired orientation, such as with the arrow pointedupward). The use of a calibration fixture decreases dependence upon theuser and enhances the repeatability of the calibration process. This isespecially advantageous with surgical assistants who may know littleabout camera calibration.

Target Designs

A variety of different target designs can be used with aspects of thecalibration assemblies described herein, such as with calibrationassembly 50 of FIG. 2. Preferably, a target design incorporates aself-referential pattern of target features so that the image can beautomatically processed without the need for any manual designation.More preferably still, the target design incorporates multiple discreteself-referential patterns (i.e., markers). A self-referential patterncan include, for example, localizer features and identificationfeatures. Localizer features provide positional or orientationinformation to determine pose/alignment of the marker and theidentification features can be used to differentiate between differentmarkers. Such multiple self-referential patterns can advantageouslyprovide for more robust calibration image processing by being moretolerant of partial occlusions and/or image misalignments.

The use of multiple self-referential markers provides a number ofadvantages. One advantage is that portions of the image containingdifferent markers can be separately processed, which can add a level ofrobustness to the processing of the overall image by allowing thecollection of at least some useable data where portions of the targetare not imaged or portions of the image cannot processed for somereason. Another advantage is that the target pattern may allow for theuse of a less complex calibration fixture, especially with respect tocalibration of a thirty-degree endoscope that may image differentportions of the target depending on its relative orientation to thecalibration fixture. Another advantage is that a marker can beconfigured to occupy a small area, which is less affected by non-lineardistortion as compared to a larger pattern.

Using self-referential markers to discriminate features removes the needfor manual interaction for model-image feature association and minimizesthe assumptions on the filed of view and viewing orientation of thetarget so that it is ready to be used by cameras of differentparameters. The redundancy embedded in the self-referential featuresincreases the overall robustness of the calibration method.

FIG. 8 diagrammatically illustrates a two-dimensional self-referentialmarker 190 having localizer features and identification features, inaccordance with an embodiment. The localizer features include four darkcircles 192, 194, 196, 198 and a dark bar 200. The numbers within thecircles are illustrative of position designations. The localizerfeatures of a particular marker can be automatically associated withresulting image features, which allows for the association of the knowtarget relative coordinates of the localizer features with their imagecoordinates.

The identification features of marker 190 include thirteen dots 202(i.e., bits). The presence or absence of a dot at a particular locationin the designated pattern is a binary indicator (e.g., if the dot existsis signifies a binary “1” for the value associated with that dot'sposition, and if the dot does not exist it signifies a binary “0” forthe value associated with that dot's position). Accordingly, in theillustrative FIG. 8 example, the values shown (“0” through “9” and “a”through “c”) are illustrative of position designations for one or morebinary numbers. The thirteen dots 202 can be segregated, with some dotsbeing used for identification data and some dots being used for errorchecking data. The presence or absence of the dots used foridentification data can be used to designate a number of unique codes(or identifications). The presence or absence of dots used for errorchecking data can be used to validate a code or identificationdetermination. In one presently preferred approach, the thirteen dotsare segregated into six dots used to carry identification information(resulting in 64 unique codes), with the remaining seven dots used forerror checking. Among the seven error checking dots, six can be set tobe the inverse of the identification dots, and the remaining dot can beused as checksum data. The rationale for this approach is to alwaysensure that there are six or seven dots that are physically present in apattern (i.e., they are set to one). This avoids an all-zero (all blank)pattern as a valid code and provides alternative features that can beused to provide positional information if required. The specificidentification feature pattern illustrated (e.g., number and position ofdots), along with the illustrated manner in which identification featureinformation is coded (e.g., the use of dots), is an example of manypossible identification features (see e.g., other exemplary patternsdescribed below). For more information regarding self-referentialmarkers, see the commonly owned U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.61/202,804, filed Dec. 31, 2008, entitled “Fiducial Marker Design andDetection for Locating Surgical Instrument in Images,” which is herebyincorporated by reference.

A target can include multiple self-referential markers. FIGS. 9A and 9Bare two different images of a target 210 containing multipleself-referential markers, in accordance with an embodiment. The imageswere obtained using a calibration target device 70 and calibrationfixture 76 in accordance with FIGS. 3A and 6B. The imaged target 210includes two groups of sixteen markers, with the groups separated by astraight dark bar 212 that can be used as a slanted-edge MTF feature.The markers and the dark bar 212 are set against a white background thatcan be used for the determination of a color/white balance adjustmentfor the imaging system. A portion of an image of a particular marker canbe separately processed so as to determine image coordinates for one ormore of the localizer features of the marker, and to determine theidentification of the marker so that the target relative coordinates ofthe marker localizer features can be associated with their imagecoordinates for use in determining calibration/alignment data for theimaging system. As discussed above, the positions of the marker dots inthe images can also be used to formulate coordinate information for usein the generation of calibration/alignment data. It can be seen fromFIGS. 9A and 9B, for example, that each of the markers has a differentset of dots showing in the pre-designated pattern. It can also be seenthat some of the markers share localizer features, with some circlesbeing used as a localizer feature for two markers. The visual featuresare composed of patterns that are self-discriminative. For example, apattern can be differentiated from other patterns by itself or over asmall area without the need to analyze all the patterns in the field ofview.

Image Processing

Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) characterizes the sharpness of animaging system. FIG. 10 is a flow diagram for a method 220 fordetermining MTF value(s), color/white balance parameters, andcalibration/alignment parameters. In step 222, an image of a target fora set position/orientation is captured by using an imaging device. Theimaged target contains features with know target relative coordinates.Step 222 can be accomplished using a calibration fixture, such as one ofthe above described calibration fixtures. In step 224, the capturedimage (i.e., image data and/or signal) is processed so as to determineimage coordinates for the target features. The image coordinates areassociated with the known target relative coordinates by associatingtarget features with image features. The association of target featureswith image features can be accomplished in a variety of ways, such as byusing one of the above described target patterns, preferably aself-referential target pattern. The target relative coordinates andassociated image coordinates for the particular captured image can becombined with any possible additional target images at additionalpositions/orientations for use in determining calibration/alignmentparameters.

In step 226, the captured image can be processed to determine one ormore MTF values. MTF provides a measure of the imaging system'sresolution and can be used for diagnostic purposes. By comparing ameasured MTF value with a standard MTF value (i.e., an acceptable MTFvalue for the imaging system in question), a measure of thefunctionality of the imaging system can be obtained. Where insufficientresolution functionality is indicated, a status and/or failure messagecan be generated to communicate that the imaging system has degradedresolution.

An MTF value can be determined by a variety of ways known in the art.The ISO 12233 spatial frequency response evaluation method is one suchapproach, and is based on an edge-gradient method. (For furtherdiscussion, see e.g., Peter D. Burns, “Slanted-Edge MTF for DigitalCamera and Scanner Analysis,” In Proc. IS&T 2000 PICS Conference, pg.135-138, 2000.) An edge-gradient method involves the imaging of an edgefeature and processing the image of the edge feature. A key stepprocessing the image of the edge feature is the determination of thelocation and direction of the edge feature because this has a directeffect on the computed spatial frequency response (SFR). Advantageously,the known location and orientation of the slanted-edge MTF feature 212in the above described target patterns of FIGS. 9A and 9B relative tothe self-referential markers can be used in this determination.

MTF values can be computed for a variety of directions and a variety ofpositions for each captured image. As such a collection of MTF valuescan be computed so as to provide sufficient data regarding the health ofthe imaging system.

In step 228, the captured image can be processed to determinecolor/white balance parameters. The target patterns of FIGS. 9A and 9Badvantageously include a white background, which facilitates thedetermination of white balance parameters.

Once white balance parameters have been determined, thecalibration/alignment parameters can be determined (step 230). In step230, the resulting collection of associated target coordinates and imagecoordinate can be used to determine calibration/alignment parameters. Inthe case of a stereo-imaging device, calibration parameters for the twoimaging paths can be use to determine alignment parameters. To determinealignment parameters, a virtual three-dimensional point can be placed inthe middle of the camera view volumes with its depth being at a desireddistance. The three-dimensional point is then projected into imagepoints by the camera models for the left and right eyes. The differencebetween the two image points in the image coordinates are the alignmentparameters. If necessary (e.g., due to optical assembly inaccuracy,difference in left and right eye optics), the rotation, scale,perspective effect can also be compensated for to make for a betterviewing experience from the stereo viewer if the camera parameters areknown.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram for a method 240 for processing an image thatincludes two-dimensional self-referential markers of FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9Bso as to associate target coordinates with image coordinates. Ingeneral, the processing of images of such markers can use the systemsand methods described in commonly owned U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.61/202,804, filed Dec. 31, 2008, entitled “Fiducial Marker Design andDetection for Locating Surgical Instrument in Images,” which wasincorporated by reference above. In step 242, an image is processed todetect dark circle localizer features. In step 244, localizers 0 and 1are identified by searching for two dark circles (designated in FIG. 8as “0” and “1”) within a minimum and maximum distance and that have abar (e.g., bar 200) generally between them that is aligned with a lineconnecting the two circles. By identifying the side of the line that thebar is on, a partial orientation of the pattern can be determined (i.e.,about a line in the image). In step 246, localizers 2 and 3 areidentified by searching for two dark circles (designated in FIG. 8 as“2” and “3”) within a search area relative to the identified localizers0 and 1. When a calibration fixture is used that constrains the targetimaging direction to a predetermined direction for any particularangular position of the target, expected locations for localizers 2 and3 can be substantially predetermined based on the orientation of themarker as determined by localizers 0 and 1 and their associated bar. Instep 248, the marker can be identified by reading the identificationdots. Where the identification dots are used for error checking data,the error checking data can be used to validate the identification ofthe marker. In step 250, the image coordinates for marker features, suchas the image coordinates for the dark circle localizer features areassociated with their corresponding target relative coordinates.

Method 240 can include some optional steps. For example, Random SampleConsensus (RANSAC) can be used for outlier rejection. By estimating aglobal alignment transformation for each marker, one can detect theoutliers using RANSAC. (For details of RANSAC, see M. A. Fischler and R.C. Bolles, “Random sample Consensus: A paradigm for model fitting withapplications to image analysis and automated cartography,” Comm. of theACM, 24: pages 381-395, 1981, which is hereby incorporated byreference.) Additionally, the features of partially visible markers canbe used. The features (circles and dots) of partially visible markersare usually in the periphery of an image so that they may contributemore to the estimation of the distortion model than features in themiddle of the image. By using a first iteration of calibrationparameters, the image locations of the features which are not used inthe first iteration are known. A conservative strategy (small distancethreshold) can be used to collect such features from the images. All thefeatures can therefore be used for a second calibration iteration.

FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, and 12E illustrate the method of FIG. 11 for asingle marker. In FIGS. 12A and 12B, the dark circles are detected andlocalizers 0 and 1 are identified. In FIG. 12C, localizers 2 and 3 areidentified. In FIG. 12D a marker identification hypothesis is tested bychecking to see whether the image contains identification dots atexpected locations. If the marker identification hypothesis is correct,the marker is identified as illustrated in FIG. 12E. The image can alsobe processed so as to directly detect the presence or absence ofidentification dots, which can be used to directly determine theidentification of the marker.

FIG. 13A illustrates the location within an image of a calibrationtarget 260 of an exemplary color/white-balance region-of-interest 262that can be processed to determine color/white-balance parameters. Witha determination of the orientation and position of the target within acaptured image, a color/white-balance region-of-interest 262 can beselected so as to encompass a sufficient amount of the white backgroundof the target for use in determining color balance parameters, such aswhite balance parameters. As can be appreciated with reference to FIG.13A, multiple potential regions-of-interest exist that can be selectedfor processing to determine color balance parameters. Another approachis to extract the dark patterns and use the resulting image, whichcontains only white areas, to determine the color balance parameters(e.g., white balance parameters).

FIG. 13A also illustrates locations of exemplary modulation transferfunction (MTF) regions-of-interest that can be processed to determineMTF values. One or more of the slanted-edge MTF regions-of-interest 264disposed anywhere along slanted-edge feature 266 can be processed todetermine MTF values, which can provide diagnostic data for an imagingdevice at any selected point along the slanted-edge feature 266. Amarker bar MTF region-of-interest 268 can also be disposed on a markerbar 270. Accordingly, a combination of MTF regions-of-interest can beselected so as to provide diagnostic data for multiple specificlocations throughout an image. Additionally, multiple images can beprocessed where the slanted-edge feature 266 and marker bars 270 have adifferent orientation in the image, thereby providing additional imagerelative locations at which to calculate MTF values. FIGS. 13B and 13Cillustrate a color/white balanced region-of-interest 272 of the image ofFIG. 13A and a color/white-balance control 274, respectively.Region-of-interest 272, for example, can be any number ofregions-of-interest that captures a background region of the target,such as region-of-interest 262 shown in FIG. 13A, which can be selectedbased upon the target's position and orientation as determined byprocessing one or more of the marker patterns. The region-of-interest272 can be processed against the control 274 so as to determinecolor/white balance parameters. Alternatively, the dark areas can beextracted and the resulting image containing only white areas can beprocessed against the control 274 so as to determine color/white balanceparameters.

Target design variations can be used to provide slanted-edge features atadditional orientations that can be used to determine MTF values. Suchadditional slanted-edge features may reduce the number of imagesrequired to generate MTF values for vertical and horizontal image devicedirections. When determining MTF values for the vertical direction, itcan be advantageous to image slanted-edge features that are slanted by arelatively small angle (e.g., by 10 degrees) from the horizontaldirection. Likewise, when determining MTF values for the horizontaldirection, in can b e advantageous to image slanted-edge features thatare slanted by a relatively small angle (e.g., by 10 degrees) from thevertical direction. In one such target design variation, the bar 200(shown in FIG. 8) can be replaced by a wedge shape having a small angle(e.g., 7 degrees) thereby providing two slanted-edge orientations perbar instead of one. Some, groups, or all of the bars on a target canalso be oriented differently, thereby providing additional orientationsfor any particular camera to target orientation. The shape of thestraight dark bar 212 (shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B) can also be modified toprovide additional slanted-edge orientations. The straight dark bar canalso be augmented with multiple instances disposed at additionalorientations (e.g. one vertical and one horizontal).

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for facilitating camera calibration of astereoscopic endoscope, the method comprising: engaging the endoscopewith a calibration target device so as to provide a calibration spatialrelationship between the endoscope and a target surface of the targetdevice, wherein the target surface extends in three dimensions; whereinthe engaged target device presents an image of a plurality ofcalibration markers of the target surface to the endoscope while theendoscope has the calibration spatial relationship with the targetsurface, wherein the presented markers are distributed within a field ofview of the endoscope with a first calibration marker extending along afirst plane and a second calibration marker extending along a secondplane, the second plane being different from the first plane andasymmetric, relative to the field of view, with the first plane.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising configuring an interface of thecalibration target device for engagement with the endoscope byselectively positioning a first receptacle of the interface in alignmentwith the target surface, the engaging of the endoscope with thecalibration device comprising introducing a distal end of the endoscopeinto the first receptacle so as to maintain the calibration spatialrelationship.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the interface has asecond receptacle alignable with the target surface, the secondreceptacle being configured to fittingly receive another endoscopehaving a viewing angle or cross-section different than the endoscope,and wherein the configuring of the calibration target device comprisesmoving the second receptacle from alignment with the target surface. 4.The method of claim 3, wherein the target surface is supported by a baseof the target device, and wherein movement of the interface relative tothe base is detent indexed so as to facilitate alignment of thereceptacles with the target surface.
 5. The method of claim 4, whereineach receptacle has an associated indicium identifying a characteristicof endoscopes suitable for calibration with the receptacle, and whereinmovement of the interface relative to the base identifies the indiciumof the receptacle aligned with the viewing surface.
 6. The method ofclaim 2, wherein a distal end of the endoscope is cylindrical, andwherein the first receptacle tapers radially inwardly from an openingtoward an inner end of the receptacle so as to radially engage andposition the distal end of the endoscope as the endoscope is insertedinto the receptacle.
 7. The method of claim 2, wherein a resilientbushing of the first receptacle radially engages the endoscopeproximally of the distal end so as to orient the field of view of theendoscope relative to the target surface, and wherein an axial stop ofthe first receptacle promotes axial alignment of the field of view ofthe endoscope with the target surface.
 8. The method of claim 1, whereinthe first plane is offset from the second plane and the first marker isnearer to the endoscope than the second marker.
 9. The method of claim1, wherein the first plane intersects the second plane.
 10. The methodof claim 9, wherein the viewed calibration markers include a thirdcalibration marker extending along a third plane of the target surface,the third plane differing from the first and second planes.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the three planes intersect at a point,wherein a plurality of image markers are disposed along the first,second, and third planes along first, second, and third planar surfaceregions of the target surface, respectively, and wherein the first,second, and third surface regions slope away from the endoscopelaterally inwardly relative to the field of view of the endoscope sothat an inner portion of the field of view presents far viewing markerswhile an outer portion of the field of view presents near viewingmarkers to the endoscope.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the engagedtarget device presents an orientation feature of the target surfacewithin an inner portion of the field of view and manually orienting thetarget device relative to the endoscope by rotating the target devicerelative to the endoscope in response to alignment of the orientationfeature.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the target surface is whiteand the orientation feature comprises an asymmetric aperture, andfurther comprising axially offsetting the asymmetric aperture along thefield of view from any hand or other body supporting the target devicewith a protrusion of the target device near the aperture.
 14. The methodof claim 1, further comprising reflecting illumination from theendoscope toward the endoscope with a white color of the target surfacesurrounding the markers so as to facilitate white balancing an imagecaptured by the endoscope.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the targetsurface comprises a unitary body having the markers laser-printedthereon with a first tolerance there between, and further comprisingallowing the target surface to float relative to the endoscope with asecond tolerance, the second tolerance being looser than the firsttolerance.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the markers differ andeach include a plurality of identification features so as allowidentification of the differing markers.
 17. A calibration target devicefor facilitating camera calibration of a stereoscopic endoscope, theapparatus comprising: a target surface having a plurality of calibrationmarkers including a first calibration marker extending along a firstplane and a second calibration marker extending along a second plane,wherein the target surface extends in three dimensions, and wherein thesecond plane is different from the first plane; and a body having aninterface configured for engaging the endoscope so as to maintain acalibration spatial relationship between the endoscope and the targetsurface such that the markers are distributed within a field of view ofthe endoscope and the second plane is asymmetric, relative to the fieldof view, with the first plane.
 18. The target device of claim 17,wherein the interface comprises a first receptacle configured to beselectively positioned in alignment with the target surface and tomaintain the calibration spatial relationship while the endoscope or thebody is held manually.
 19. The target device of claim 18, wherein theinterface is movably coupled to the base and has a second receptaclealignable with the target surface, the second receptacle beingconfigured to fittingly receive another endoscope having a viewing angleor cross-section different than the endoscope so that the target deviceis reconfigurable by moving the interface to alternate between thesecond receptacle and the first receptacle being in alignment with thetarget surface.
 20. The target device of claim 19, wherein movement ofthe interface relative to the base is indexed by detents so as tofacilitate alignment of the receptacles with the target surface.
 21. Thetarget device of claim 19, wherein each receptacle has an associatedindicium identifying a characteristic of endoscopes suitable forcalibration using the receptacle, and wherein movement of the interfacerelative to the base identifies the indicium of the receptacle alignedwith the viewing surface.
 22. The target device of claim 19, the distalend of the endoscope being cylindrical, wherein each receptacle tapersradially inwardly from an opening toward an inner end of the receptacleso as to radially engage and axially position a distal end of theendoscope as the endoscope is inserted into the receptacle.
 23. Thetarget device of claim 22, wherein a resilient bushing of eachreceptacle is configured to radially engage the endoscope proximally ofthe distal end so as to axially orient the field of view of theendoscope relative to the target surface, and wherein an axial stop ofeach receptacle is configured to promote axial alignment of the field ofview of the endoscope with the target surface.
 24. The target device ofclaim 17, wherein the first plane is offset from the second plane andthe first marker is nearer to the endoscope than the second marker whenthe interface engages the endoscope with the calibration spatialrelationship.
 25. The target device of claim 17, wherein the first planeintersects the second plane.
 26. The target device of claim 25, whereinthe calibration markers include a third calibration marker extendingalong a third plane, the third plane differing from the first and secondplanes.
 27. The target device of claim 26, wherein the three planesintersect at a point, wherein a plurality of image markers are disposedalong the first, second, and third planes along first, second, and thirdplanar surface regions of the target surface, respectively, and whereinthe first, second , and third surface regions slope away from theendoscope laterally inwardly relative to the field of view of theendoscope so that an inner portion of the field of view presents farviewing markers while an outer portion of the field of view presentsnear viewing markers to the endoscope.
 28. The target device of claim26, wherein the fist, second, and third planes are tangent to the targetsurface adjacent the first, second, and third markers, respectively, thetarget surface curving between the first, second, and third markers. 29.The target device of claim 17, further comprising an orientation featureof the target surface disposed within an inner portion of the field ofview wherein the interface is configured to allow rotation of the targetdevice about the endoscope so as to facilitate manually orienting thetarget device relative to the endoscope by rotating the target devicerelative to the endoscope in response to alignment of the orientationfeature.
 30. The target device of claim 29, wherein the target surfaceis white and the orientation feature comprises an asymmetric aperture,and wherein a protrusion extends axially away from the interface fromthe aperture so as to offset a hand or other body supporting the targetdevice.
 31. The target device of claim 17, wherein the target surfacehas a white color surrounding the markers so as to facilitate whitebalancing the endoscope with reflected illumination from the endoscope.32. The target device of claim 17, wherein the target surface comprisesa unitary body having the markers laser-printed thereon with a firsttolerance there between, and wherein the target surface floats relativeto the endoscope with a second tolerance, the second tolerance beinglooser than the first tolerance.